A/N: Here is the conclusion to this fanfiction. A sequel is already up.

Thanks for the reviews. I already corrected the mistakes.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Kathleen had asked her way to the first officer's quarter, knowing she would find her son there. She hesitated a moment, contemplating her words, before she finally pressed the door chime. Some long seconds past and the older woman was about to ring a second time, when the door slid slowly open, revealing the spartan private area of the Vulcan female. Uncertain she entered and scanned the small room with her eyes. Only a few candles were placed over the small number of furniture, including the lonely candle on the low table in the middle of the room. In the far end of the housing under the window stood a crib, holding a yellow blanket and a big stuffed teddy bear within it. On the bunk sat the Vulcan holding her child in one arm and feeding the bottle with her free hand, somehow in a gentle and loving manner. Directly next to them leaned Trip on the Vulcan's shoulder, his eyes fixed on the content little face of Elizabeth.

Elizabeth… Trip must have insisted to name his daughter after his youngest sister. Could the Vulcan understand what this gesture meant to him? … To her? Did she even know about her lost daughter?

Hesitantly Kathleen neared the bed, her eyes resting on the science officer. "I'm so sorry. I apologize for my husband's behaviour. He wasn't like … this before the Xindi attack. I know this is no excuse for what he said…"

T'Pol looked up to meet the anxious face of Mrs. Tucker, dried strains of tears covered her face. The younger woman, at least she was younger in Vulcan years, was uncertain how to respond, so she simply nodded her acknowledgement. After a while she felt the need to say something. She sensed her mate's hope about his mother's positive approach. She could understand that he didn't want to loose his bond with his parents. "I understand that the Xindi attack had changed many lives among the human population. … My condolence to your loss, Mrs. Tucker."

Mrs. Tucker was taken aback – the Vulcan knew about her Elizabeth. She must be something special to her son when he had told her. "Thank you. … It's Kathleen." The elderly human crossed the short distance to the bunk and bent down, examining the frisky kicking infant in the Vulcan's lap; her granddaughter. "How old is she?"

Trip knew this exchange was just between his mother and his love, his place was the moral support for both women. So he let T'Pol answer. "According to the logs Lieutenant Reed retrieved she was born on August the 2nd." T'Pol observed the other woman intently, sensing no danger from her. "Do you want to hold her?"

"May I?" Kathleen watched the Vulcan wipe the milk smeared mouth of the girl and pick her up.

The science officer retrieved a clean cloth and handed it to her child's grandmother. "You will need this." Then she laid the baby carefully into the waiting arms of Kathleen, who sat now next to her on the bed.

"Hello, little one." Mrs. Tucker studied the wide blue eyes of the baby, her angelic features. The beautiful little child looked like any other human baby – except for those pointed Vulcan ears that gave the girl an elfish appearance. 'Like a pixie in those fairytales I read to the kids.' Lost in her thoughts Kathleen stroked the small belly, causing the baby to giggle - the thumb in her mouth.

Suddenly she felt the gazes of her son and the child's mother resting on her and she looked up, addressing the Vulcan. "What is your family saying about … Elizabeth?" This was the first time she spoke this name, referring to the little bundle in her arms.

It took T'Pol a moment to answer. "My father died shortly after I'd finished school. My mother died six months ago. After the attack on the Earth Embassy the Vulcan High Command bombarded a camp of Vulcan civilists, who weren't … pleased with the decisions made by the VHC."

Elizabeth felt her mother's sadness and stretched her little arms toward her mother. T'Pol picked her daughter up out of Kathleen's arms and held her tight. The little girl touched her mother's face with her small hand in a soothing gesture. "Trip and Elizabeth are now my family."

"I'm sorry to hear this, dear. … What are your plans now concerning Elizabeth?"

Trip kissed T'Pol's head to ease her grieve. He could feel now how much she missed her mother and her father. "We want to stay aboard Enterprise. It's safer here than on Earth or Vulcan at the moment."

Alerted Kathleen talked directly to her son. "So you would consider to leave Earth for Vulcan?" Meaning: 'Leaving us for a Vulcan Woman?'

"If it would be safe there for us and Lizzie. … But that is no option at the moment. Nor is to officially marry. Maybe never will be." Trip grew sad and he leaned closer into T'Pol's body.

"Marry?" The next shock for his mother. It was one thing to have a child with a Vulcan that wasn't created exactly the normal way, but marry this Vulcan; this was out of question in the train of thought of the elder Tucker.

"Mom, T'Pol and I are already bonded."

Kathleen's eyes widened. "You mean something like engaged?"

"Nah, more like unofficially married… if I'd understood T'Pol right."

T'Pol turned her head to face her mate. She was surprised and somehow relieved that he was willed to marry her. "Since the Kir'Shara is now officially accepted by the new Vulcan High Council, our bond would be recognized as marriage by Vulcan standards."

Trip's face lit up and a smile spread over his features. "We really are married?"

"After Vulcan law, yes we are."

"So… when were you gonna tell me?"

Innocence was written over the Vulcan's face. "I was not sure how you would react. Besides I just read those paragraphs two weeks ago. I was not aware of the importance Surak attached to the mating-bond."

Trip was about to kiss his wife, his mother completely forgotten, when the comm. chimed. Sighing he bend a little back to press the button. "Yeah." He sounded more annoyed about this disturb than he really was.

Hoshi's voice came out of the comm. system. "Sir, the doctors from the VHC are on their way to sickbay."

"They were supposed to come at 18:00 hours. Why are they so early?"

"Trip, it is 18:00 hours."

"Oh. " He exchanged a glance with T'Pol. Time had past very fast that day. "We are on our way."

After Trip had terminated the connection he heard his mother asked concerned. "Why do you have to see doctors? Is something wrong?"

"Nah, they are just nosy about the Human-Vulcan child. Can't wait to see the faces of those Vulcans, when the Vulcan Science Directorate has to rewrite some of the 'as impossible determined' things." With a smile Trip picked Lizzie up and swung her in the air. The up and down caused more than giggles to come out of the girl's mouth and soon the engineer found himself covered in his daughter's supper. "Not again!" He faced half annoyed his beloved child. "Why are ya always aimin' at me, my angel?" Liz laughed and clapped her hands, amused about her father's distress. "I don't think this funny, Lizzie."

Kathleen smiled at the picture before her. She remembered a similar image of her husband holding a spitting baby boy. "She definitely is your daughter."

"Ha ha. Funny, Mom. … Let's make a side-trip to my quarters. I don't wanna give new gossip material to those Vulcans."

"Vulcans don't involve in gossip." T'Pol's expression was resolved.

"Oh, sure, darlin'." Trip didn't believe one word. He already knew her 'Vulcans don't do' a way too good to buy it any more.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Almost an hour had past till Charles Tucker had left the empty dining room. He didn't want to speak with his wife or his son and he doubted they were in the right mood to speak with him. So he made his way toward the bridge. Jon had always complained about the Vulcans, especially about his 'Ambassador Pointy' and his so called first officer. He was the right man for a talk about this disaster.

He entered bridge to find all eyes of the crew on him, just Jon was nowhere in sight. Charles approached Malcolm, aware that everyone kept starring at him. "Do ya know where Jon is? I wanna speak with him, son."

"The captain is in his ready room, sir." The Armoury officer motioned to the door in a corner of the bridge. When Mr. Tucker stepped toward the door, Malcolm gave a look to Hoshi and Travis, telling them as much as 'new gossip – mess hall after shift'.

Somehow Charles didn't like the stiff Englishman; maybe it was because his attitude reminded him so much of a Vulcan. He actuated the chime and a moment later, after the door had opened, he was greeted by a happy dog. "Hello, Porthos." He bent down to pet the head of the beagle. "Good boy, ya're remembering me?" Then Charles looked up to meet Jonathan's unreadable gaze.

The man sat in his desk chair and offered the other chair to his visitor. "May I help you?" Jon was aware that something was wrong. He assumed the meeting with his granddaughter and her mother didn't go well.

Charles let himself fall down onto the stool a heavy breath escaping his lips. "At least, it seems like ya would get rid of this Vulcan spy, Jon. With this child n' all…"

When Trip's father had entered his room Jon'd already awaited some comment like this. Maybe four years ago he would have been happy to say goodbye to his Vulcan officer, but now after all the things that had happened… "I sincerely don't hope so. I consider T'Pol as a close friend and my confidant. Trip and T'Pol have asked for permission to stay aboard with their daughter."

"Ya have no objections?"

"Why should I? I can keep two of my best officers and my two best friends."

Charles face contorted and he shook his head. "How can ya be friends with a Vulcan? I can't believe this."

Jon raised his voice, his anger evident. "T'Pol is not any Vulcan. She is different." An uncomfortable silence followed.

Charles kept his eyes fixed on the floor under his feet. 'What the hell is wrong with everyone? Had this Vulcan bewitched the crew of this vessel?' Again he took a heavy breath focusing his thoughts on another subject. "This could end Trip's career." He said after a while.

Jon had starred on the man before him the whole time. He knew about what he was talking. "What could end it?"

"His crush on this Vulcan. … She's his superior officer and an alien!"

"I don't know what you mean. They are just colleagues."

"Don't ya see what's going on under your nose?"

"I don't see anything like that."

It dawn on Charles slowly that Jon didn't want to see the obvious. 'He is lying for an alien!' But then again… as long as it would save his son's career Jon could cover that Vulcan.

Before a new silence could establish itself, Hoshi informed the Captain about the 'visit' of the doctors.

"Thanks, Hoshi. I'm on my way." Jon rose from his chair and turned to Mr. Tucker. "If you like you could accompany me to sickbay."

"Why?" asked Charles confused.

"Those doctors are here because of your family."

"My fam-" 'Oh, the child.' Reluctantly the older man followed the Captain out of the room.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

Wearing a clean t-shirt Trip entered sickbay balancing his small daughter on his hip. On either of his sides walked one woman. The engineer'd thought they would find all doctors waiting impatiently, but the infirmary was deserted except for doctor Phlox and Crewman Cutler, who shook hands with his mother instantly.

"Where is everyone?" Trip asked, but his interest was already caught by the new cage – a mixture between aquarium and terrarium. He stepped closer to the glass and bent down to have a better sight at the mouse-like creature sitting on the sandy land. It had big shiny blue eyes, a purple-blue fur and a short nose.

"The Vulcan doctors are preparing their scanners. Ours aren't adequate enough." Answered the crewman her voice indicating her annoyance.

Trip just nodded absently, watching the animal fascinated. "Uhu, the lil' mouse is cute, isn't it, Lizzie?" He looked down on the baby. The girl stretched her small hands toward the glass and the deep blue water that harboured eel-like brown fishes with teeth that looked like they could bite through stone. "Eeww, the fishy are nasty, huh?"

Phlox smiled, happy about the commander's interest in his 'pets'. "These are Karixian bog-worms. And the mouse you admire is a Karixian sabre-rat."

Trip watched horrified the little mouse approach the water. "No, no, mouse. Don't jump in there! It's dangerous!" Without hesitation the small animal jumped into the wet, swimming gracefully and fast towards the swarm of fishes. "No, don't go there!" But the mouse circled around the bigger bog-worms. Suddenly the cute little mouse folded out two sharp and long fangs that bore themselves immediately into one of the ugly fishes. Without wasting time the mouse brought its prey back to the shore, holding the helpless creature firm to the ground with its sharp claws and disembowelled it.

Sickened Trip turned away, shielding his daughter from the brutal sight. "That's cruel!" He saw his bondmate's serene face, a brow raised, and felt her surprise about this unexpected occasion, while his mother wore an equally shocked expression as he did.

"So is nature, Commander. Survival of the fittest." Said doctor Phlox unimpressed.

"God, I hope this is safety glass."

"It is, sir." Ensured Crewman Cutler.

In this moment Captain Archer and Mr. Tucker entered sickbay and Jon made a face at the sight of the lacerated animal. Quickly he shifted his attention to the doctor. "Where ar-"

"The Vulcans need their own equipment. Ours isn't good enough." Answered Trip in a way that brought new hope to his father.

"Typically." Muttered Archer and neared the waiting group of people, while Charles remained a little aloof from the others.

When the large doors slid open, a group of three Vulcan doctors approached the captain and the two commanders. The oldest of the trio, a man named Sular, greeted the two Humans with a nod of the head and then turned to T'Pol with his hand lifted in the common Vulcan greeting. The two slightly younger doctors followed his example. When not only T'Pol returned the salute in the Vulcan manner, but also the Chief Engineer and the Captain of Enterprise the Vulcans gave each other highly irritated looks – not that they would ever call it irritated.

Reluctantly Trip laid his daughter down on the prepared biobed and went back to the middle of the room to give the physicians' the needed space. Only Phlox remained next to the bed and the monitor showing the base-sequence of Elizabeth's DNA. "As you can see, these chromosomes are Human whereas those are clearly Vulcan." The computer–animation changed more than one time until the Vulcans were more or less convinced by the hybrid nature of the baby's DNA. Then they turned their attention to the baby girl.

Elizabeth observed the strange people with her wide blue eyes, while T'Pol sent calm and reassurance to her daughter. The examination didn't scare the girl – this was the only thing she had known for her six months of life: doctors taking samples and recording data with weird looking devices. She already knew, as long as she lies still, no greater harm will be done to her.

Sular examined the head, especially the ears and eyebrows with his fingers. "The child's morphologic traits seem Vulcan, except for its hair-color."

"Also the Vulcan genes are dominant in its immune system." One of the younger doctors held an ampoule of green blood in one hand and a tricorder in the other.

Trip had listened to the conversation and was more than mad. "I would appreciate when you refer to my daughter as 'she'!" He tried his best to stay calm.

Sular's gaze met Trip's and the Vulcan contemplated this request a moment. "Very well then." If he would have been Human he would have shaken his head about this demand, but at least his look said 'those emotional Humans'.

"Her neural system is not as evolved as the neural system of a Vulcan child of the same age." He studied the readings again. "I assume her Human traits will prevent her to form a telepathic connection."

"This is not correct." All Vulcan doctors looked up, startled by T'Pol's statement. "Her Human genes won't reduce my daughter's telepathic capability." Three Vulcan eyebrows went up. "She has already formed a parent-child-bond with me and I'm confident she will also form this connection with her Human father."

"Humans are no telepaths."

"Those abilities seem to be latent. Humans are capable to form a bond."

This got the full attention of the three Vulcans. A bond with a Human? How could she know if she hadn't mated with one? Sular's gaze travelled briefly to Elizabeth then back to her mother.

T'Pol felt she had exposed too much sensible information and now tried her best to prevent the other Vulcans to draw conclusions that were to near to the truth. "I am a melder."

This revelation caused a brief expression of disgust on all Vulcan physicians' faces.

"Your records show you have the Pa'Nar syndrome. It is liable that you will infect the Commander with this disease." Sular's anger boiled hidden behind by all his suppression techniques.

"You are judging by overcome values." T'Pol approached the biobed and rested her hand on her daughter's stomach. "Mind-melds have been known since Surak's time. They are not dangerous, if practised correctly. The Pa'Nar syndrome is no illness, nor is it incurable. It is a neurological imbalance caused by improperly trained melders." She saw the revulsion in the other Vulcan's eyes. "I no longer suffer from this imbalance." She felt a tingle of satisfaction rise within her.

Sular was already one hundred and seventy. He was to old and unwilled to accept the innovations caused by the new found writings. "The Kir'Shara might have changed a few viewpoints, but even Minister T'Pau had to adapt to some of the old Vulcan principles."

All Humans watched the argument with great interest and amusement. "T'Pau, that rebel? Wanna know what those adaptations were." Trip whispered disbelieving to the Captain.

"She had to cut her hair to an appropriated length." Informed a familiar voice from behind the audience.

"Soval? What are ya doing here?" asked Trip startled about the Vulcan's presence. "She had to cut her hair?" The engineer chuckled disbelieving. "Poor girl."

Soval raised his eyebrow at Commander Tucker's remark. Then he bowed his head greeting the two humans. "Captain, Commander."

"Your clearance allowed you the truth about the child?" Captain Archer was surprised that an ambassador, even with Soval's position, was granted access to this sensitive topic.

The old Vulcan followed the ongoing exchange. "I had a conversation with Minister T'Pau. She gave me the required authorization."

A sly gin formed on Trip's face. "Curious?"

"As you Humans say: my gut was telling me T'Pol might have some kind of connection to the child."

"Good gut-feeling, Ambassador." With that Archer and everyone else watched T'Pol end the dispute. "Life is change." Was her last comment, which let the doctors grow silent.

"What happened?" asked Trip astonished.

"This is one of Surak's basic principles."

T'Pol picked her daughter up and held her close to her chest. Elizabeth's hands found immediately their way to her mother's rank pips on her uniform. The girl was fascinated by the reflected rainbow-colors and laughed happily.

Sular was more than displeased with this hybrid. "Your child's emotional control is minimal, if not existent. I would recommend she undergoes a strict training starting as soon as possible."

"Her emotional state is just fine. Her Human side will help her to find her emotional balance." Replied T'Pol stubbornly. Sular glared at her. Then she watched the Vulcans say their 'goodbyes' to the Captain and the Ambassador and leave sickbay … angry.

"They're so pissed." Exclaimed the Chief Engineer with a satisfied smile.

Jon couldn't and didn't want to suppress the grin on his face. "You enjoyed this to the full."

"I merely presented facts. I found no satisfaction in this." T'Pol informed him flatly.

"The hell you do."

T'Pol handed Elizabeth to her father, then neared Soval and nodded her head greeting. "Ambassador."

"T'Pol. May I have a word with you?" The Science Officer bowed her head once more and followed the older Vulcan out of the sickbay doors.

Trip sighed. "Oh, this is no good." He felt his bondmate's concern rise. 'Will he gonna talk her to leave Enterprise?' On the other hand he knew how stubborn his love was and she was hardly someone, who got convinced fast.

Charles Tucker was completely taken aback. This Vulcan woman had stepped in for the child's Human heritage and had argued with that cranky old doctor. And she wants her child to have emotions! He blinked unbelieving. And that was not enough: Ambassador Pointy was joking with his son! 'Am I in the wrong reality?' He watched his wife take the baby from Trip and hold her with the same love, she had done with her own children and did with her other grandchildren.

The older Tucker man closed the distance between himself and the rest of his family. His eyes fell on the little girl's face and he examined her. She had the Tucker-blue eyes and the same dark blond hair his grandsons had. And she was smiling contently. With those ears and that smile she looked more like a fairy to him than an alien.

"If she comes after her Mom she'll be a handful in her teen-years." He wasn't the man to say sorry. This was his way to apology – just doing as if the whole argument hadn't happen.

Trip and Jon faced Charles startled. The engineer knew his father's opinion must have changed to a more positive one. A small smile formed on his face. "She already shows her Mom's stubbornness." Offered Trip. He wouldn't forgive his father at the moment, that needed time, but he wouldn't stir any more discord.

Five minutes later T'Pol re-entered Enterprise's sickbay and approached her mate. She picked Elizabeth up and faced the child's father, remaining silent.

'Why doesn't she say something?' Trip's concern grew. "Is Soval gonna take you back to Vulcan to mount Seleya to bring ya to the right path again?"

T'Pol's wide brown eyes were locked with deep blue ones. "He offered his support in our briefings with Starfleet Command." She felt her mate's trouble to believe this. "I was also astonished by his offer."

Silence fell upon the group. Kathleen sensed her son would have to discuss this new information with his … wife for the upcoming day. 'God, his wife…' The older woman wanted to leave the ship, before her husband had a chance to find this out. 'He would explode!' She faced Trip smiling. "We better go. … I believe you have to get ready for tomorrow, my dear. And Elizabeth seems tired."

Trip got the hint. It was a lot to take in for his parents and would need time. "Then we better show ya to the transporter room. "

The way was spent in comfortable silence. Before Charles stepped up to the transporter platform, he neared his son and his family. He still felt reservation toward this Vulcan. She might accept and care for his son's child, but she didn't love his son… but his son loved her. Charles carefully stretched out his right hand toward the Vulcan. "Miss T'Pol."

T'Pol was surprised by the sudden change of heart, but for her bondmate's sake, she took the offered hand. "Mr. Tucker."

Trip also shook only hands with his father and watched the old man enter the transporter.

Then it was his mother's turn to say goodbye. She hugged her son and stroked one last time over Elizabeth's downy head. "Ya will send me pictures of the little one, won't ya?"

"Sure, Mom." Trip smiled and kissed his mother's cheek.

Afterwards Mrs. Tucker shook hands with T'Pol, unsure how to address the other female, since 'Miss' wasn't appropriated any longer, she decided to simply say "Goodbye."

When the blue ray of the transporter let his parents vanish Trip whispered to his Vulcan. "Didn't go that bad, huh?"

T'Pol's eyebrow went up.

- - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -

A/N: The prologue to the sequel to this story is already up. The sequel is called "Family Reunion". I would be happy if you tell me what you think about this story and its sequel.

PLEASE REVIEW